What can I do to help Orangutans?

There's a lot you can do!
Get involved with orangutan organizations that raise awareness and funds to support conservation activities in Sumatra and Borneo. Whatever you choose to do make it fun, make it understandable and move others to action.

Below are some suggestions for events and activities that YOU can do during Orangutan Caring Week to help orangutans and their rainforest homes. 

  • Initiate an information booth/table at a local event or venue. Zoos and animal facilities are a great venue to reach a lot of people. Ask your zoo's zookeeper or volunteer groups to host an event. Set up a table at a local mall. For downloads, ideas and links, check out OrangAware.org,  AZA Orangutan Conservation Education page and the Orangutan SSP Education page.

  • During OCW, share information and pictures via social media like Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to 'Like' the World Orangutan Events Facebook page.

  • Educate with slide shows/videos at local schools, church and civic organizations. Deliver a public lecture at a local library. 

  • Conduct fundraising events to support an orangutan organization. Have a bake sale at school or work. Put a donation jar on your desk at work with all proceeds to adopt an orangutan on behalf of your company.

  • Facebook makes is easy to start a fundraiser for your favorite non-profit or set up a donation webpage on one of the fundraising sites like Crowdrise.com/ or gofundme.com.

  • Promote the benefits of supporting orangutan organizations through active membership. Check out the list of the many groups who care here.

  • Go on an ecotourist trip to Sumatra and Borneo to see orangutans in the wild. Be inspired!
  • Ethically volunteer with one of the groups working to help save orangutans like:
    • Orangutan Project
    • RAW Wildlife Encounters
    • IAR Orangutan Project
  • Encourage local school involvement by adopting an orangutan (school classes or individuals) or specific fundraising by classes. Many organizations have orangutan adoption programs.

  • Host a movie night at your school or home to help educate and spread awareness. Sell popcorn and candy with proceeds going to help support your favorite conservation group.

  • Learn about the Palm Oil crisis and start a letter writing or postcard campaign. Write to companies that use palm oil in your favorite products and encourage them to source sustainable palm oil into their supply chain as soon as possible. (sample letters here: http://orangaware.org/pdf/Sample%20Letter.pdf and http://orangaware.org/pdf/palm%20oil%20postcard.pdf

  • Collect signatures for petitions that support orangutan issues - or create your own on one of the many petition sites.

  • Promote forest restoration by adopting an acre of forest or tree plantings with organizations that have such programs such as Orangutan Land Trust or Orang Utan Republik Foundation
  • Give yourself, a friend, or a family member a birthday party and instead of gifts ask for donations to a support orangutan conservation organizations – or buy a virtual adoption through an orangutan conservation group of one of the many orangutan orphans at one of the rescue and rehabilitation centers throughout Indonesia.

  • Put together photo essays/collages - let pictures tell the story/speak for you. Post your stories on social media like Pinterest or Instagram and share on Facebook.
  • Share your ideas and photos with others on the World Orangutan Events Facebook page.